Larry L

Garris Sr.

Larry Lee Garris, Sr. was born on February 10, 1938 in Harlem (NY,NY) to Elsie Kimble Garris and Earl Garris, Sr.

If you ever needed anyone to be honest with you, you should have known our Dad - Larry Lee Garris, Sr. Whether his message was funny, raw, or gingerly expressed, you better believe you would never forget it.

Larry was an accomplished man. He was an old school, man's man. A real man who believed in being a great provider for his family. Larry was multi-faceted and strong in all aspects of his life. A great father, husband, grandfather, son, brother, co-worker and friend, our Father was destined to live a prolific life. Larry's parents, Elsie and Earl, Sr. were told by doctors for most of her pregnancy that Elsie had a tumor. Much to their surprise, that tumor was actually a full grown healthy baby boy! They of course named the baby Larry. Both parents were ambitious, successful entrepreneurs, and Elsie greatly adored her sons. She even taught them how to cook and to care for themselves, while always showering them with love. Larry had  two older brothers - Duke and Earl, Jr.  Larry's brothers were his best friends, teachers and role models.  With so much love and a strong family foundation, there was no goal that Larry had not conquered.

Anything he put his mind to, he achieved. While in school Larry didn't just have a paper route, he sold costume jewelry and always had extra money. Larry graduated high school and shortly after, he became a postal worker, a barber, and later decided that he wanted to be a fireman. Larry was one of the first Black firemen in Teaneck, NJ, where he served for 30 years! Larry also had a successful real estate career, and in the 1970's, our Dad built his home with his own two hands! Multi-faceted is an understatement! Our Dad was a jack of all trades, and he loved swimming, dancing, surfing, fishing, and billiards. More than anything, Larry enjoyed entertaining with his family and friends, hosting cookouts and celebrations in his backyard, where the Family shares decades of memories!

Larry Lee Garris, Sr. lived his life to the fullest and left a legacy of love. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife - Peggy Garris, his beloved brothers- Duke and Earl, Jr.  and his parents. Larry leaves behind his first born daughter, Loren Garris-Johnson, from his union with his ex-wife,  Barbara Jean Bobbitt-Lauder. His one and only son, Larry Lee Garris, Jr., from his marriage to Peggy Garris, and his step daughter, Carol Calhoun; his grand-children: Charisse M. Johnson, Leah I. Aniefuna (Mi Aniefuna), Duane Davis, Maurice Calhoun; great-grand-children: Monet Johnson,  Iman Aniefuna, Isis Davis, Zoe Davis, Maurice Calhoun, Jr., Amya Calhoun, great, great grand: Adynn Black; first cousins, Ray & Sarah Kimble as well as a long list of nieces and nephews, who meant the world to him!

Larry - Dad, Grandfather, Cousin, Uncle, Friend and Co-worker. Larry was a man greatly loved by his Family, Friends and his Lifelong Brothers from The Teaneck Fire Department.

Life's race was well run. You fought many battles and yet the victory is yours! God has blessed you.

Rest In Peace Dad❤ ❤ You will be greatly missed and never forgotten. 🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️